Satisfy your cravings with a delicious, classic dish of Southern fried cabbage with bacon. This easy recipe makes an incredibly flavorful side dish.
This classic Southern dish has been enjoyed for generations. It's made with simple ingredient that are both budget-friendly and delicious.
A sweet and salty flavor results from cooking the cabbage slowly in bacon grease until it becomes tender and caramelized. The dish pairs well with just about any main course.
Soft and tender but still with a bit of crunch, this Southern cabbage with Bacon is a classic recipe that spells comfort with every bite.
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Ingredients
This dish requires only a few ingredients: cabbage, bacon, and onion. Combining these three ingredients creates a savory, salty flavor that will satisfy your taste buds.
Here is the full list of ingredients used in the recipe:
- cabbage
- bacon
- garlic
- onion
- apple cider vinegar
- honey
- salt and pepper
- Worcestershire sauce
- olive oil
Scroll down to the recipe card for quantities used.
Instructions
You'll want to chop the cabbage, bacon, and onions to start making this dish. Then gather the rest of the ingredients and equipment needed.
Fry bacon until crispy in a heated skillet.
Transfer cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate.
In the same pan, sauté onions until translucent.
Add garlic and continue to sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add cabbage and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes.
Drizzle apple cider vinegar and honey. Add in Worcestershire sauce, if using. Continue to sauté until cabbage is soft and tender.
Just before closing the heat, add cooked bacon.
Mix bacon in well.
Variations
One way to enhance the dish's flavor is to include spices like paprika or cayenne pepper. These spices add a subtle kick that balances out the sweetness of the cabbage while complementing the savory bacon. Experimenting with different seasonings can also take this simple side dish to the next level of flavor complexity.
Southern fried cabbage with bacon can be customized to suit your taste buds. Top it off with grated cheese for added creaminess. Or sprinkle on some homemade panko for added texture.
To cut back on the calories and fat, you can reduce the amount of bacon from six slices to four. You can also use sliced sauce instead of bacon. Using turkey bacon or sausage will reduce the amount of fat.
Tips
- It’s important to choose the right cabbage. When making Southern fried cabbage, you want a head of green cabbage that is firm and dense. It should not have any visible holes or soft spots. Once you’ve selected your cabbage, remove the first few layers of leaves and cut them into quarters.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon from the pan. Place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
Serving suggestions
Serve Southern fried cabbage alongside fried chicken or barbecue ribs for an authentic southern meal that will satisfy your taste buds while keeping your wallet happy.
Pair it with your favorite protein, such as grilled chicken or braised short ribs, as a side dish. It also works well alongside Southern classics like cornbread, collard greens, and black-eyed peas. Consider turning this dish into an entrée by adding sliced smoked sausage or shrimp for a complete meal.
Storage
Let the cooked cabbage cool and then transfer it to an airtight container. Place the container in the refrigerator and store it for up to four days.
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, simply reheat them in a skillet over medium-high heat for about five minutes or until they reach your desired temperature.
If you want to freeze your leftovers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe bag before transferring them to the freezer. They should keep for up to three months when stored properly.
FAQ
Add some red pepper flakes for a little heat or add in a little bit of cajun seasoning.
Southern fried cabbage is a delicious side dish but may not be the healthiest choice. Fried foods are usually high in fat and calories, so eating them regularly can lead to weight gain. Additionally, this recipe calls for bacon, which adds even more unhealthy fats and calories to the dish.
Absolutely! Bagged shredded cabbage is an excellent option for Southern fried cabbage. It's convenient and saves time, as the cabbage is already pre-shredded and ready to use. All you need to do is add your favorite seasonings and fry it up in a skillet with some bacon.
Related Recipes
If you love this easy side dish, here are a few more.
- Loaded twice-baked potatoes are packed full of flavor.
- Baked cabbage steaks are super simple to prepare.
- Easy scalloped potatoes are perfect when serving only two.
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Recipe
Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Ingredients
- 3 cups cabbage roughly chopped
- 6 slices bacon I used low sodium
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 small small onion finely chopped (about ⅓ cup)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ¾ tablespoon honey optional
- Kosher salt to taste
- ground black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce optional
- 1 tablespoon olive oil optional
Instructions
- Cut bacon into bite-sized pieces, preferably 1 inch per piece.
- Lightly brush heated pan with oil, if using. Add bacon slices, allowing some space for each piece. Fry bacon to a crisp, in batches. Transfer to a paper lined plate. Set aside.
- Remove excess oil with bacon drippings from the pan. Reserve for later use. Retain 1 to 2 tablespoons of bacon drippings and resume heat of the pan.
- Sauté onions until translucent. Add garlic and continue to sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add cabbage and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Drizzle apple cider vinegar and honey. Add in Worcestershire sauce, if using. Continue to sauté until cabbage is soft and tender.
- Just before closing the heat, add cooked bacon. Mix well.
- Serve immediately.
Rose
Very simple and delicious side dish! My family really enjoyed this fried cabbage recipe.
Glenda
This is my kind of comfort food! We loved this cabbage. That little extra zing from the vinegar was a genius move to make all those flavors sing. Thanks for sharing the recipe!
Addison
This bacon and cabbage was incredibly flavorful! Such a great side dish for any dinner.
Sharina
This Southern fried cabbage with bacon is one of my go-to brunch or lunch recipes. And I love serving it with a garlic sauce, sooo savory!
Giangi Townsend
Such a simple recipe to make and so packed with flavor. We all loved it and we look forward to making it again.